As the Conference Finals begin in the NBA and NHL, the attention turns away from LeBron James and to the actual action on the court and the ice... at least we hope for a little while. With each series in the Conference Finals underway, it's time to check the Playoff Pulse!
1) Biggest Winner - Philadelphia Flyers
-The Flyers have emerged as the big winners thus far in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Coming back from 3-0 down against the Bruins to force Game 7, and then coming back from 3-0 down in Game 7 to win the series is something never seen before. Now, they have homeice advantage in the East Finals as a 7 seed and chased Jaroslav Halak in Game 1 winning 6-0. While many point to the Chicago/San Jose winner as the clear favorite, or Montreal as the team of destiny, don't discount the Flyers as perhaps both. Their run has been one of the most under-the-radar surprise playoff performances in recent memory. They will have to be weary that the Canadiens lost Game 1 against Pittsburgh and won in 7 games... but at this point, what can stop the Broad Street Bullies?
2) Biggest Loser - Dwight Howard
-Dwight Howard thinks he's one of the star players in the NBA. Dwight Howard thinks he's Superman. He's the reigning back to back defensive player of the year. But, in Game 1 he was exposed as a one trick offensive pony, who blocks shots and rebounds. Against the C's, he looked like an athletic version of Dikembe Mutombo and not the next Shaq. Howard had 13 and 12, but 7 TOs and shot only 3-10 from the field after going 27-32 against the Hawks. After several years in the league, he still has no low post game and strong defenders that can push him out from underneath the basket greatly limits his offense. Howard must step up his game tonight to find the magic again.
3) Best Performance - Antti Niemi
-Yes, Kobe had 40 points last night... but Niemi made 44 saves on Sunday against the Sharks (tied for the most in the last 13 years by a CHI goalie)! Down 1-0, he made several saves that kept Chicago in the game and allowed them to take a 2-1 lead into the final minutes. Niemi then fought off several shots in the last 2 minutes withstanding a 6 on 4 advantage from San Jose. Niemi was the major question mark for the Hawks coming into the playoffs, but has grown in stature and confidence throughout the playoffs. If Niemi plays this well, the Hawks could be playing for the Cup very soon.
4) Best Game - Game 1: Blackhawks 2 Sharks 1
-While the Magic's comeback was exciting, you never really felt like it would come off. The Suns/Lakers was high scoring but not close, and the Flyers blew out the Habs. So, the Hawks/Sharks Game 1 duel wins our honors for best game. It was tight and hard-fought and saw Chicago fight off a furious finish to claim homeice advantage.
5) Biggest Surprise - The Celts Keep Rolling
-It's amazing that this team was left dead in the water coming into the playoffs. Many folks said this team was finished, the Heat would beat them, and the Big 3 Ubuntu Era was over. Now? They are suddenly favorites to go back to the NBA Finals after dispatching LeBron and taking Game 1 in Orlando. The key to the C's resurgence has been the emergence of Rajon Rondo as the team's best player and a healthy Kevin Garnett. Suddenly this team has the chemistry, shotmaking, and defense of the '08 title crew. Is a Lakers rematch in the near future?
6) Biggest Question - Do The Suns Have A Chance?
-All throughout last night, I wanted to talk myself into thinking that Phoenix has a chance to upset the Lakers. With Steve Nash still at an All-NBA level, JR shooting lights out, and role players that the Suns have not had before... it makes you want to think that this is their year to reach the Finals. Then, they go out and allow 128 pts and 58% shooting to the Lakers in Game 1. I still hold out hope that the Suns have a chance, but after watching them get run off the floor last night, it is a faint glimmer at best. The Suns need Amare Stoudemire to step up and find some way to slow down the Laker attack, and quickly.
7) Game 2 Picks
NHL
Chicago @ San Jose
-The Blackhawks are now an incredible 6-1 on the road in these Stanley Cup Playoffs. With Antti Niemi hot, it seems like the Hawks have all the momentum in their favor. While talented, the Sharks have never had that closing ability. In a must-win game for San Jose, it's easy to picture them coming out tight and afraid to make a mistake. Also take into account the 5-0 edge SJ had in power plays evening out tonight, and Chicago might take a 2-0 lead back home.
PICKS: Y1/Y2: Blackhawks
Montreal @ Philadelphia
-The thing with Montreal is that they have an incredibly short memory. We've seen them bounce back in these Stanley Cup Playoffs time and time again. Game 2 is by no means a must-win for the Habs with the way they have played late in their previous 2 series... but, things are going so well for the Flyers that it is tough to pick against them. Y2 goes with the Canadiens to bounce back, but I see Philly flying.
PICKS: Y1: Flyers Y2: Canadiens
NBA
Boston @ Orlando
-The Celtics took Game 1 in Orlando and now they're playing with house money in Game 2. The Magic may not have what it takes to win this series, but they will win Game 2 whether it's due to a relaxation from Boston, resurgence from Dwight Howard, or a little help from the officials and the home crowd to take the series back to Boston 1-1. The Magic will continue their strong finish Sunday in Game 2, but Boston should still win the series.
PICKS: Y1/Y2: Magic
Phoenix @ LA Lakers
-The Lakers have had the best home advantage of any team in the playoffs thus far. They're unbeaten and have hardly even been challenged at Staples. With LBJ out of the spotlight, Kobe has all of the attention on himself to prove to the world that he's the league's best. The Suns' best chance to steal a game was last night... and it's unlikely that they find a defense to stop LA before tomorrow night.
PICKS: Y1/Y2: Lakers
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